C.J. Ives Lopez's Blog, page 7

Author Interview – CK Timber

CK Timber is an author of YA and adult works in paranormal romance, cozy mystery, time travel, epic fantasy adventure, and superversive sci-fi short stories, novellas, and novels. We enjoyed having this Author Interview – CK Timber for our blog. Check out this fantastic author and follow them for more amazing stories.

CK Timber is an author of YA and adult works in paranormal romance, cozy mystery, time travel, epic fantasy adventure, and superversive sci-fi short stories, novellas, and novels.

https://www.facebook.com/ck.timber.7

She has penned a collaborative novel with author Jesse Bond. A horse trainer and massage therapist by trade, CK Timber jumped ship to follow her lifelong dream to become an author and pen adventurous stories for young and old alike.

At sixty-nine years of age, she writes clean, fun, adventurous bodies of work for young adult readers and cheek-blushing content for adults. There is always a twist and something unexpected in her stories.

https://www.facebook.com/ck.timber.7When did you start writing?

It was around three am in the morning, sometime in the winter of 2017. I awoke for the third night in a row from a repeated and quite disturbing dream. A wraith-like man stepped out of a book and demanded I write his story.

Well, I climbed out of bed, turned Bob Sieger on LOUD, and started writing Dark Story. Dark Story six years later is still unfinished, but it’s taken on a life and will someday find its way to a published end.

https://www.facebook.com/ck.timber.7

I don’t write a lot of books quickly. I tend to dawdle and play with my stories, sometimes letting the characters sit in their juices for a year at a time.

I have plans for sequels to Darian’s Quest, Hellfire, Charm & The Shifter Witch, and The Passion Fruit Files: Murder on Independence Day. Plus, Dark Story will emerge sometime in the future, and Jesse Bond and I are remastering The Merge a collaborative. It is being tweaked from a paranormal romance to a dystopian sci-fi. I hope we have The Merge ready for submission to Tuscany Bay Books by early fall.

Learn MoreWhat was it like growing up?

Oh, I had the very best of the best when it came to childhood. Dad was a contractor and built homes, so we had land, and on it, we had horses, a couple of cows, and ducks on a pond. The sun’s light in the early afternoon gave off the best visuals and feel. The air was filled with warm energy, insects buzzing, shimmering in the filtered light. The smell of horse sweat made my heart sing.

I spent more hours in a day on my horse than I did in school or around the house, or with friends. The kids I rode with when I wasn’t riding alone and I could be found plodding along the roads and trails in the Rogue Valley of Medford, Oregon. Our parents had set up a phone chain and would call the other parents to share our whereabouts when they’d see us ride by.

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We had freedom, but we knew we were safe. I grew up on wild game and homegrown meats, and garden veggies. My favorites were wild mushrooms, wild asparagus, homegrown artichokes, and blackberries, and I loved to fish.

How was your early life?

I wasn’t very good at school. I made it out in 1972 by the skin of my teeth. Everything was good until my parents moved to Alaska. I, of course, had to tag along. I have never felt more out of place. I became hard to get along with, and I think I broke my dad’s heart. He had always been my Hero, my King, and somehow, he fell from grace. Teenagers can be really awful, and I was one of those.

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Dad and I made up in later years. He passed back in 1996, but he’s still the most honorable giant of a hero a girl could ever wish for.

I scared my parents to death when I took off hitchhiking alone except for my dog, Flabe, a Keeshond Husky mix. We hitched all over the Pacific Northwest. I almost met my maker twice on that journey, but Flabe was there to scare the hell out of anyone wanting to harm me. He literally saved my life once.

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When I came home, I resumed my career as a horse trainer. I’d become a professional trainer at 15 and had several paying clients waiting.

What has been the biggest influence in your career?

Which career? Horse training, massage therapy, or author services? My heart drove me to become a highly intuitive horse partner. That same intuitive gift also influenced how I provided massage. And it plays a huge part in how I approach working with my clients. I would have to say that intuitiveness also drives my stories. I trust the stories, the characters, and my intuition.

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Tell us about your newest release.

My latest release was Dark ‘N Stormy Seas. It was supposed to be a paranormal time-travel romance. Based in Bermuda, it quickly morphed into a historical paranormal work of fiction about a tall ebony slave woman named Saidah, a cheetah shifter, and an extraordinary golden man, Luca, a Lusca (Kraken) cephalopod shifter.

In 1830 slavery was on track for emancipation. The island of Bermuda was slow to give in to the orders from England. Even enslaved people on the mainland of North America were allowed a new life as free men and women.

Saidah and Luca forged a friendship and had one thing in common: they were shifters. On land and in the sea, they warred against the inhumanity the sugar cane enslavers dished out. Forced from the plantation fields to the sugar mill, Saidah worked under the worst conditions and still managed to keep her head high.

She labored over the cooking of molasses for the island’s primary rum distillery. When one of her roommates was gifted a copy of a book about the abolition of slavery written by a formerly enslaved person, things got ‘real’ fast. Saidah and Luca found themselves thrust into the movement to free Bermuda’s enslaved people.

As resentment toward the Free Peoples of Color ran rampant, and violence flamed in the face of Bermuda’s slave traditions, Saidah held to her promise—protect the weak and save her people.

https://www.facebook.com/ck.timber.7Which book of yours would you call your favorite child?

Dark Story. It isn’t anywhere near ready for publishing. But Dark Story is my baby.

What inspired you to write this book?

As mentioned, Wraith came to me in a dream and demanded I write his story. He’s still spilling the beans, so it may be a while before it hits the stores.

What are you usually found doing when you’re not writing?

Hanging with my dog, Persia, or my mare, Shoshoni. I’m a reclusive type of person, and the most rewarding time for me is away from people and spending quality time with my animals.

What does your writing space look like?

Ha! Well, I live in an RV. I write and work from a couch with a folding table before me. I am basically retired from horse training and massage. I work most remotely from my computer in the author services industry—a publicist for Tuscany Bay Books and private PA for a few Indie authors.

If you wrote your autobiography, what would you name it?  

I Am Enough

How long did it take to write your novel, and what was your process?

I’ve only written one novel. Most of my work seems to hang in there, around 28-30,000 words. I’m the Novella Queen. It takes as long as it takes. I have written a couple of novellas in just under three months. But most take up to a year.

Mostly because I lose focus and end up doing all sorts of things besides writing. Truth for many of us, right?

My process—get an idea, find a place to start, and write one chapter at a time. I treat each chapter in the same manner one might treat an essay. The next builds on the last. Normally I have no idea where the story will go or end up. In one short, I wrote, I didn’t know what would happen at the end until I killed off the romantic interest in the third to last chapter. So yeah, there’s that. I never know.

Favorite reads?

Any and all of Terry Brooks, and I have to say I am prejudiced when it comes to Jesse Bond’s books. I love how she leaves you feeling like you were an integral part of her characters’ lives just by the feel of the environment they live and work in. The way they interact makes you want to pipe in and interact with them, and they stick with you for a long, long time.

Do you have any book recommendations?

Several, you have got to read the comedic horror, a Lovecraft Amalgamated novel, The Thing From HR, by Roy M. Griffis. Or better yet, listen to the audiobook. If you like dystopian urban fantasy and are not squeamish about polyamorous behaviors, you might want to read Jesse Bond’s The Cymoid Chronicles. Complete with shifters of all kinds, fated dragon mates, epic battles, and sizzling romance. It’s a great four-book series.

What’s your next big project?

An Equine Healing Enrichment Anthology It’s in the birthing stages and is without a name yet. It will be a table book comprising eight to twelve 8000-word short stories with illustrations and poetry.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Don’t be afraid. Write, and don’t stop. Be hard on yourself, but don’t give up. Good writing comes with growth and experience. That takes time. Be proud you accomplished a finished product, learn from your mistakes, and keep writing.

Follow CK:

https://www.facebook.com/ck.timber.7

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https://twitter.com/home @ck_timber

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Author Interview – Sadira Stone

Sadira Stone’s stories highlight found family, friendship, and the sizzling chemistry that pulls unlikely partners together. We enjoyed having this Author Interview – Sadira Stone for our blog. Check out this fantastic author and follow them for more amazing stories.

Award-winning contemporary romance author Sadira Stone spins steamy, smoochy tales set in small businesses—a quirky bookstore, a neighborhood bar, and a vintage boutique. Her stories highlight found family, friendship, and the sizzling chemistry that pulls unlikely partners together.

https://sadirastone.com/

When she emerges from her writing cave in Las Vegas, Nevada (which she seldom does), she can be found in dance class, strumming her ukulele, exploring the Western U.S. with her charming husband, cooking up a storm, and gobbling all the romance books, for a guaranteed HEA (and no cliffhangers!)

When did you start writing?

Waaay back in elementary school! I got serious about writing for publication in 2014 after retiring early from my teaching career, and my first book was published in 2018.

https://sadirastone.com/What was it like growing up?

I was formed in the 60s and 70s, so tons of time outside with little supervision. We were on our bikes for hours, traveling far from home without cell phones. How did we survive?

How was your early life?

I had some amazing teachers, especially in music, theater, and dance. Unfortunately, my family wanted a narrow life for me, one totally unsuited to my big, applause-addicted personality. I’m so grateful for the mentors who led me to imagine something bigger and more fulfilling.

https://sadirastone.com/

With no $$ for college, I joined the US Army right after high school (GI Bill) and ended up stationed in Germany. Then returned to Germany in 1989 as a teacher (high school French, English, German, theater) and stayed until 2014.

What has been the biggest influence in your career?

Books! I was a bookworm since I taught myself to read (so Mama says) at age four. I haunted our public and school libraries and nearly fainted from excitement in bookstores. I’m so grateful to my parents for stocking our house with books.

https://sadirastone.com/
Tell us about your newest release.

Passion in the Cards is Book One in my new Trappers Cove Romance series, set in a funky, kitschy Washington State beach town. Maybe you know the type: bumper cars, Skee ball, saltwater taffy, weird little souvenir shops, that one bar full of nautical decor that serves locally brewed beer and great pub food.

https://sadirastone.com/

The most important shop in town is Madame Zora’s Psychic Emporium, where you can get crystals, a dragon figurine or two, a boho skirt to wear on the beach, and a tarot reading from Zora herself! Of course, there’s a wide, flat beach (typical WA) and a hidden cove accessible only at low tide.

Which book of yours would you call your favorite child?

Why, my latest one, of course! (Really, it’s impossible to pick. A good mama loves all her babies equally.)

https://sadirastone.com/What inspired you to write this book?

This novella, now expanded, was originally part of an astrology-based anthology, so I was assigned Taurus. That turned out to be a fun challenge, building a romance hero based on Taurus’s many fine qualities–dependable, practical, sensual, romantic–and some not-so-fine qualities–stubborn!

What are you usually found doing when you’re not writing?

“Mama said I was a dancer before I could walk.” (Name that tune!) So you’ll find me in Zumba class, the gym, the pool, our community chorus, or exploring Las Vegas, my new hometown.

Learn MoreWhat does your writing space look like?

My desk is a mess! But my bookshelves are stocked with tons of delicious books, CDs I couldn’t bear to throw away when the technology changed, photos, trophies, bookish tchotchkes, binders…and on the windows, gorgeous teal curtains (my favorite color) made from recycled silk sari cloth.

If you wrote your autobiography, what would you name it?  

Don’t Fence Me In.

Learn MoreHow long did it take to write your novel, and what was your process?

This one is a novella, so it took a month or so for the first draft. Since it was an assignment for an astrology-based anthology, I started by researching Taurus (hero) and Aquarius (heroin), which gave me tons of ideas for their love story and conflicts. And because I was missing Washington State, having moved to Las Vegas for family reasons, I drew on all my memories of WA and OR beach towns. Thus was Trappers Cove born!

Favorite reads?

Impossible to narrow it down to just a few. I gobble romance books like Pringles, especially historical romance (gotta love those steamy dukes!), contemporary romance (but not too dark. No bullies or mafia dons for me), and romcoms. Lately, I’ve loved Ali Hazelwood’s STEM romances.

Learn MoreDo you have any book recommendations?

Besides my previous series: Book Nirvana and Bangers Tavern Romance? If you love beach romances similar to mine, try Laurie Ryan’s Willow Bay series, cozy romances with just a little spice, also set in a WA State beach town. Lovely small-town, found-family ambiance.

What’s your next big project?

I’ve got two more books in the Trappers Cove series finished: Passionate Brew (set in a brewery, of course), and The Billionaire’s Christmas Castle, a silver-fox romance, coming later this year. I plan to add several stories to this series.

Learn MoreDo you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Read TONS of books in your intended genre. Get to know reader expectations. Take some writing craft courses, or save money and read some of the very fine writing craft books available. Join social media gathering places for both authors and readers of your type of book. And, in the name of all that’s holy, get some eyeballs on your work, including an editor’s, before publishing it!

BTW, general critique groups can be helpful when you’re just starting, but as soon as possible, find a group (online is fine) of authors who write in YOUR genre. Ask me how I know

Follow Sadira:

https://linktr.ee/SadiraStone

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Author Interview – Rae Richen

Rae Richen’s short stories, poetry, and articles have appeared in anthologies of Northwest authors, in Pacific Northwest newspapers, and in the Writers’ Northwest Handbook. We enjoyed having this Author Interview – Rae Richen for our blog. Check out this fantastic author and follow them for more amazing stories.

Rae Richen has been a landscape designer in the mornings, a violin and viola teacher in the afternoons, a chamber musician during some evenings, part owner of a family tree farm (growing lumber for your home building), and is definitely retired from climbing mountains.

She works with the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty to advocate for policy changes that will reduce barriers to a stable, productive life for all and mentors students learning English as a second language. Rae Richen’s short stories, poetry, and articles have appeared in anthologies of Northwest authors, in Pacific Northwest newspapers, and in Writers’ Northwest Handbook.

She has taught junior high, high school students and adults since the ice age, and has always been impressed with the wide-ranging curiosity and the persistent search for answers among her students. Rae Rachen’s young adult novels, Uncharted Territory and the Scapegoat series: The Price of Freedom and The Hounded, are written for young adults and adults who enjoy a triumph of life over fear.

https://www.raerichen.com/

Her Historical Romance novels, Sentinels of Solitude, In Concert, Frozen Trust, and A Fool’s Gold, are adult adventure and suspense novels. Her novel, The Ones Who Curse You: A Tale of Family and Fear, will appear on June 15, 2023.

https://www.raerichen.com/

Rae Richen lives with her family and teaches in Portland, Oregon. She served as president of a regional organization supporting writers for several years.

Rae Richen has taught writing to adults and, with mystery author Bill Cameron, has taught short story writing to middle school writers. She has also taught classes on creating an effective and supportive critique group. Look for Rae Richen’s recent mystery, Without Trace, featuring Glyn Jones and Grandma Willie as they try to locate Trace Gowen, the drummer missing from Glyn’s band. They discover a lot more is at stake than they ever imagined.

https://www.raerichen.com/When did you start writing?

I wrote stories and doggerel that I believed were poetry for my mother (a poet) during grade school. I tried to illustrate them as well. Many years later, I found them in her bookcase next to her favorite authors.

I am not an illustrator. As an adult, I returned to writing when I was asked to write the history of a large children’s service organization as part of the celebration of its one hundred years. That book served the organization as a fundraiser and a way to train new care providers. It is now out of print. However, this experience showed me that I loved writing about people working together to accomplish unbelievably difficult tasks that strengthen a community.

https://www.raerichen.com/What was it like growing up?

As an adult, my brothers and I look back on our childhood with wonder. We were extremely lucky in having parents who loved each other through many difficulties. We were encouraged to ask questions about the most fundamental assumptions, to test new answers to old problems, and to be curious about the world, about other cultures, and about people whose lives were not the same as ours.

We were enrolled in a public, integrated school, and there we grew in our understanding of the many ways that some of our friends were denied services, mistrusted, and mistreated because of the color of their skin. As a result, my brothers and I can see clearly the power play involved when others are selling hate and fear of those who are different from us.

https://www.raerichen.com/

That power play normally pits one group against another as if that will solve the financial problems and self-worth problems that actually are caused by those in power. This is the power play that all dictators use to maintain power.

How was your early life?

Early life was moving from rural Colorado to a very small town in Southern Oregon, where we could play without fear of anything but the trucks and automobiles on the main drag and the large swans in the local park. Running free in a town where everyone knew who we belonged to built a feeling of safety and adventure.

https://www.raerichen.com/

When we moved to the city of Portland, that feeling of safety continued for us and made us able to reach out to new adventures and new ideas.

What has been the biggest influence in your career?

Classes with Ursula LeGuin and Molly Gloss taught me to enjoy exploring ideas outside my normal experience. James N. Frey and Larry Brooks taught me how to organize those ideas and not just splatter thought and action willy-nilly on the page.

https://www.raerichen.com/

Bonnie Bean Graham, Judy O’Neill, Mitch Luckett, and other members of my earliest writing-friend group helped me hone my work for better transitions, better dialogue, and more depth of character.

Tell us about your newest release.

My newest novel, coming out in June 2023, is The Ones Who Curse You. It is the story of two families in danger because they are searching for the missing teenager from one of the families. These are not ordinary parents-with-two-children families. Abe Hallowell is a foster parent for three children whose rural communities cannot supply their medical needs. His relationship with the foster children, their families of origin, and the medical services in the big city is a balancing act.

https://www.raerichen.com/

On the other hand, the family of architect Sarah Rohann has been created by apprenticing three children who otherwise would be living on the streets. Sarah and her oldest son help their apprentices succeed in school while giving them life skills in building homes. Sarah’s company is hired to create a more livable home for Abe’s family — a home where wheelchairs can navigate corners, and bathrooms are an easy negotiation. When one of Sarah’s apprentices receives a letter from his imprisoned father, he disappears. And threatening graffiti begins to appear in the locations where Sarah and Abe work.

https://www.raerichen.com/Which book of yours would you call your favorite child?

No author has a favorite book-child, but I learned from my first novel that I could write deeply and help others think in new ways about family. Uncharted Territory was my first novel. It focuses on Mallory and Jack Huntington, father, and son, whose only relationship is sports.

Both are great athletes and avid mountain climbers. When a disastrous climb reveals that the son is not well and may never regain his athletic life, the relationship falls apart. If they are ever to have a deeper tie, the son must gather the courage to confront his father’s emotional barriers. But the son has his own emotional blocks that make confrontation appear impossible.

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I have had teachers tell me they want to use Uncharted Territory in their classrooms to help students discuss what makes a family and what can be seen as courage. Because the son, Jack, is an avid fan of the Lewis And Clark Expedition, the story also includes hints about that adventure and how reading about the lives of expedition members helps Jack gain perspective on his own present-day predicament.

Teachers in my region of the West like that aspect of the book as well. One teacher acquaintance said, “You drop the history in, so they don’t even know they are learning it.”

https://www.raerichen.com/What inspired you to write this book?

An adult member of my family has the auto-immune disease that Jack develops. When a child in their family urged the parent to “Just get up and exercise, and it will all be better,” I thought that child had a right to fear losing the parent. The child had a right to hope exercise would solve a disease.

But what if the situation were reversed and the person who could not face the disease were the parent? What if the parent refuses to recognize that there is a real health problem? From there, the story began.

Learn MoreWhat are you usually found doing when you’re not writing?

I am often found practicing music or gardening, either at my house or at a friend’s or family member’s home. I’m often asked for garden design help. I also co-chair an alliance of 14 faith communities working to change regional policies and laws that keep people from climbing out of poverty. (think red-lining and its present-day equivalents).

What does your writing space look like?

My writing space is a stand-up desk and, a sit-down desk, bookcases with research resources. The second-floor room has windows from which I can watch children and families off to school or playing hide and seek, hummingbirds nesting, raccoons hunkering about the upper story of the street trees, cats stalking everything, a chase of squirrels (did you know that squirrels eat maple flowers?)

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My walls have photos of children who have been finger-painting in their hair with peas and a photo of a child trying to play my ukelele. I enjoy my photos of Oregon’s beautiful mountains, paintings of my home state of Colorado, and many other examples of what might act as distractions or inspirations (depending on the day).

If you wrote your autobiography, what would you name it?  

Still Asking Questions

Learn MoreHow long did it take to write your novel, and what was your process?

It normally takes a year to write and do the first several edits of a novel. Each day I back up to previous scenes and take a running start at the new chapter or scene. My method is like the long run by a track team member before taking off over the high bar.

When finished, I send the novel to my friendly and honest Beta readers for a fresh perspective. Meanwhile, I write short stories and essays for my work with the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty. About six months later, I’m ready to do another novel rewrite and get it ready for publishing.

Learn MoreFavorite reads?

I’ve been re-reading Great Possessions, The Journal of an Amish Farmer, by David Kline, and also re-reading Outside Lies Magic: Regaining History and Awareness of Everyday Places, by John R. Stilgoe. Every time I re-read these books, I get a new appreciation of the world of rural farms and our man-made landscapes.

They are a respite from the ‘gotcha’ aspects of politics in the news. I also read the Atlantic magazine, where thoughtful articles open my mind to new ideas and new ways to look at old ideas about how the world can operate and does operate in some places.

Do you have any book recommendations?

For fiction, I enjoy the books of Ursula LeGuin, Molly Gloss, and Ken Byers—the mysteries of Bill Cameron and Valerie J. Brooks are delightful, if dark. As I read, I came to really care about what would happen to the characters of each of these writers. And isn’t that a great way to spend an hour, or two, or…

What’s your next big project?

I’m collecting together my short stories from over the years. I can see already that I have two collections to get ready for publication. Meanwhile, I am outlining the next Glyn Jones and Grandma Willie mystery. (Yes, I outline. Things change as I write, but a firm foundation for a story keeps it from wobbling too far from plumb).

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Get used to the idea that writing goes nowhere unless you learn to advertise. I learned that late and am making up for that willful ignorance yearly. I enjoy the writing process very much, but my stories deserve more life than not advertising might have given them.

A good personal assistant is invaluable for help and advice about how and when, and whether to use a certain advertising technique. And read blogs about advertising. However, keep your time for advertising to a schedule so you don’t neglect it and also so you don’t tumble down the rabbit hole of too many Things-To-Do. Save time to write. It is what you wanted to do in the first place.

Follow Rae:

https://www.raerichen.com/

https://www.amazon.com/author/raerichen

https://www.facebook.com/RaeRichenAuthor

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You can check out our magazine or write an article, we publish quarterly on Amazon, and it’s free for non-advertisers.

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Author Interview – John Riddle

John Riddle is the author of 36 books and has worked as a ghostwriter on numerous projects. We enjoyed having this Author Interview – John Riddle, for our blog. Check out this fantastic author and follow them for more amazing stories.

John is the author of 36 books and has been a ghostwriter on numerous projects. His byline has appeared in major publications across the U.S., and John has written articles for over 200 websites. In 2002 he launched I Love To Write Day as a grassroots campaign to have people of all ages spend time writing every November 15th.

Since 1996 John has been working out of his home office in Delaware as a full-time freelance writer, author, ghostwriter & donut eater.

When did you start writing?

I started writing short stories in high school and then branched out to articles.

What was it like growing up?

I was one of six kids, and our family lived in a public housing project. One summer, our TV broke, and we couldn’t afford a new one. Luckily for me, our local library was only a few blocks away. Best summer of my life! That’s when I was hooked on “reading and writing.”

Book NowHow was your early life?

Very entertaining. I was always creating something and kept a positive attitude.

What has been the biggest influence in your career?

Meeting other writers and authors at conferences and literary events.

Tell us about your newest release.

“The Flying Nun, A Light Bulb Moment And Me: 40 Years Making Money As A Freelance Writer (Hey, You Can Do It, Too!)” was published to show people how they can use their gift of creative communication to make money as a freelance writer. Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to write for major newspapers, including The Washington Post, as a freelance writer.

My book shares the secrets to getting published in newsletters, magazines, greeting card companies, and more. The important thing to remember as a freelance writer is this; You must have confidence, otherwise, you will never get published. You also have to follow directions and not let rejection spoil your day.

http://ilovetowriteday.comWhich book of yours would you call your favorite child?

“For God and Country,” because I wrote it with my oldest daughter when she was in college. (She went on to write four more books on her own.)

What inspired you to write this book?

Barbour Publishing was looking for a few more book ideas, and that’s how “For God and Country” came about. It’s the story of four military chaplains from the Civil War to World War II.

Learn MoreWhat are you usually found doing when you’re not writing?

Thinking about writing. Or how I can help other writers get published.

What does your writing space look like?

I have two desks. An old roll top one, which has lots of nooks and crannies, and when it’s unorganized, I can simply pull down the cover. My other desk has my computer on it, along with lots of writing memorabilia.

If you wrote your autobiography, what would you name it?  

I already have; “The Flying Nun, A Light Bulb Moment And Me: 40 Years Making Money As A Freelance Writer (Hey, You Can Do It, Too!)“

How long did it take to write your novel, and what was your process?

I have written a few novels as a ghostwriter. They usually take about three months or so to complete.

Favorite reads?

Any mystery and private eye book.

Do you have any book recommendations?

“The Stand” by Stephen King.

What’s your next big project?

Coming soon: “The PAC Method For Writers: How Prayer, Attitude And Confidence Can Lead You To A Successful Writing Journey.” And a few months down the road, I’ll be releasing “Getting a Book Contract in 30 Days or Less.”

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Keep marketing yourself, and NEVER give up!

Follow John:

ilovetowriteday.com

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Author Interview – B.C. FaJohn

B.C. FaJohn is a fantasy romance author who creates worlds full of love, lies, and magic. We enjoyed having this Author Interview – B.C. FaJohn for our blog. Check out this fantastic author and follow them for more amazing stories.

B.C. FaJohn is a fantasy romance author who creates worlds full of love, lies, and magic. Born in Virginia, she grew up with a pencil in her hand and a handful of journals full of fan fiction that were in the ether, never to be found again. If she’s not writing, she’s probably watching a guilty-pleasure reality TV show or playing a video game.

When did you start writing?

When I was eleven! I started off writing fan fiction.

Learn MoreWhat was it like growing up?

I was always a little more on the introverted side. I had a group of great friends I’ll always remember and love even if the miles separate us, but writing has always had the safest, sweetest part of my heart. I spent entire days writing and reading.

Before I started writing books, I’d write short stories to my mom on pieces of printer paper.

https://www.instagram.com/bcfajohnbooks/How was your early life?

My parents did everything they could to encourage me to chase my dream. I wish I had listened to them sooner and tackled publishing in college, but now that I have, you’ll never see me ignoring my passion.

What has been your biggest influence in your career?

From a social perspective, my mom. From an inspirational perspective, The Witcher (the books or the games).

https://www.instagram.com/bcfajohnbooks/
Tell us about your newest release.

I have a few releases coming out this summer. My primary project, “The Runed Series,” follows two protagonists: a spoiled rotten princess and a grumpy mercenary. They’re thrust together by the hands of fate and a prophecy that dares to threaten the very essence of time, magic, and peace.

As they uncover the secrets of magic older than the world, they discover what makes a liar good and bad. When you throw love in the mix, their choices blur the line between right and wrong. Also coming out this summer is a debut fae romance called “A Crown of Ash & Silver.” This follows a mortal girl whose ancestry was covered by years of hiding, lies, and war. After striking a deal with a slimy merchant, she ends up in the hands of a cruel fae king that plans to barter her hand in marriage for more power. When a bodyguard offers her a chance at freedom, she never expects it to come at the price of love and a little magic.

https://www.instagram.com/bcfajohnbooks/

Which book of yours would you call your favorite child?

The House of Dragon Blood has a soft spot in my heart. I spent years writing it and will always think it holds such a deep underlying message of trusting your own capabilities and not letting anxiety consume you.

https://www.instagram.com/bcfajohnbooks/What inspired you to write this book?

The Witcher showed me what an easy-to-read fantasy could be. Magic, action, love… it’s all there, and if I hadn’t picked it up one day, I’d probably still be lost.

What are you usually found doing when you’re not writing?

Playing games! I love the sims, but I also like competitive games like Call of Duty.

Learn MoreWhat does your writing space look like?

Organized chaos. My desk might always be a little messy, but I always know where things are.

If you wrote your autobiography, what would you name it?

Writing with Chaos

How long did it take to write your novel, and what was your process?

Book one took me three drafts over three years because I wasn’t sure where I wanted it to go. Once I found my rhythm (which included a rough outline), I knocked out Book Two in six months. Book three has taken about four months, and I anticipate book five will take around as long.

Favorite reads?

The Witcher, The Great Gatsby, 1984, ACOTAR series

Do you have any book recommendations?

I have yet to meet somebody who has read The Witcher Series. They’re SO good. I highly recommend it.

What’s your next big project?

I plan to release six books this year, so I have many on the horizon! My current big project outside of The Runed Series is “A Crown of Ash & Silver.”

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Don’t beat yourself up during the writing process. I always suggest people get the words on the paper, even if it’s word vomit, and worry about editing and rewriting AFTER the initial story is told.

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Author Interview – Susan Catt of Oracle BookArt & PA Services

Susan Catt of Oracle BookArt & PA Services creates custom book covers and other book-related promotional art materials. We enjoyed having this Author Interview – Susan Catt of Oracle BookArt & PA Servicesfor our blog. Check out this fantastic author and follow them for more amazing stories.

Susan Catt of Oracle BookArt & PA Services creates custom book covers and other book-related promotional art materials. She runs marketing campaigns for authors posted wide over several social media platforms and connects authors with reviewers, interviewers, and podcasts.

https://www.facebook.com/OracleBookArt

Susan alpha/beta reads, and formats manuscripts for submissions, and books for publishing.

How did you get started down this path?

I started writing books back in 2017 and have a certification in graphic design from back in 1996 so tried my hand at creating my own covers. Over the next six years I picked up authors in my PA social media work, and with them came plenty of cover opportunities. I am passionate about working closely with authors to capture their vision in a cohesive product that speaks to their story.

https://www.facebook.com/OracleBookArtDid you know you would become a Cover Designer when you were smaller?

Absolutely not. I was a passionate horse woman from the wee age of three. I became a professional horse trainer for most of my life, worked at a printing press for four years, then became a massage therapist for seventeen years. The book industry rose its beautiful face in 2017, and I’ve been smitten ever since.

How long have you been Designing Book Covers?

Six years.

https://www.facebook.com/OracleBookArtWhat Influences your work?

Intuitive creativity, knowledge of how color affects emotions, knowledge of fonts, and graphics, and composition as they relate to each specific genre/trope.

What is your ideal work assignment?

A client with a clear vision, who may or may not bring art/graphics to the creative process. I prefer a client who is excited about being included in the creation of their vision and likes working one on one with me as we define an eye catching emotionally moving cover that is personal to them and personal to their characters.

https://www.facebook.com/OracleBookArtDid you go to school for formal training, or has life and skill been your formal training?

I went to school for graphic design and hold a certificate and an Associate’s Degree in the field. Then I worked four years for a printing press company managing a magazine.

What is your favorite photo? can you describe it and why it’s your favorite?

WOW this is hard. I don’t think I have a favorite image. I look for thought provoking, and visually stimulating images.

https://www.facebook.com/OracleBookArtWhat type of editing software do you use for your craft?

I’m old school Photoshop, but can work on E-Pixlr, or Canva, etc. The more dramatic work is always done in Photoshop.

What genre do you design for?

All genres

https://www.facebook.com/OracleBookArtWhat tips would you give to create the perfect cover?

There are many aspects to making a quality cover. Alignment I think is the most important. If alignment is off the cover loses its drama, and interest, it creates confusion for the eye and leads the reader’s attention away from the intended message.

I work a lot with color. Color is very important. How do you want to affect the reader? Red is aggressive, can be very dramatic, but it can also make the reader feel anxious, and thus they may scroll right on by. Yellow is happy, but it can create more of a cutesy feel if not handled carefully.

Learn More

Black can be overused. I do a lot of covers on black backgrounds, but balance is very hard to achieve. Sometimes you just have to drop that black background and go with white or another color that’s more refreshing or inviting. Don’t get stuck on your idea. It probably is not what the end result is going to be.

what are the must have’s when designing in your genre?

All genres, a good story, a client with a good vision.

How do you tell a story with your covers?

I look for things about the characters, or events, or the environment they live and work in. Quotes that give us a sense of the characters personality. I create visuals with feel. We feel the air, we feel the energy, we are standing next to the character. We can smell them. Maybe we should pick up a sword, or meet up at the bar, etc. Immersed. I want my cover viewers to feel immersed in the visual.

Learn MoreWhat does your design process look like?

We have a discussion to discover the driving points of the work. We’ll go over the type of art, potential color, and maybe share a few photos or graphics to get a feel for what fits best with the authors vision. Then I jump in and create a mockup. It’s a jumping off point. From there we work together as I add and remove elements, font styles, messages, and consider drop shadows, stroke, etc.

As a Cover Designer, what do you struggle with the most?

Getting enough work. I try to price my work in the lower end of middle of the industry. Mostly I find many authors either do not want to invest in their cover or can’t. I do try to work with authors to make their cover happen affordably.

Checkout Susan Catt of Oracle BookArt & PA Services authors:

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https://www.facebook.com/CKTimber

https://www.facebook.com/john.konecsni (Declan Finn)

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Snoodles

Snoodles, Kidoodles, Poodles, and Lots and Lots of Noodles by Steven Joseph

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What a wackadoodle book. Elvis, The Little Prince, thoroughly enjoyed sitting in my lap looking up at me as I attempted to read this with the same enthusiasm as the author when he reads, yet epically failing.

If you can catch a clip of Steven reading his children’s books, watch it because you will fall in love with the characters, noodly fun, and pure enjoyment in his voice at the creations he has made in this beautiful, wacky world.

There were times that Elvis tilted his head, wondering if the Poodle would become his friend or if Saurkraut would be on the menu for dinner. Either way, Steven Joseph knows how to tell a tale of epic proportions for children to enjoy beyond measure.

I got more excited as the story went on, acting out some of the scenes for Elvis, getting into the characters’ portrayals, and wanting my pasta dish for dinner afterward.

Buy Now

We’re looking forward to reading more of the noodly adventures that Steven comes up with. Bravo for making timely children’s books that will put a smile on any parent and child combo as they drift off to sleep, bringing stories to life in their dreams.



View all my reviews

Do you have a book review to share with The Authors Porch? Are you an avid reader who would love to share your reviews with an audience? Reach out to The Authors Porch at admin@theauthorsporch.com to see if we can collaborate on your review to be hosted on our blog. The world needs to hear more about great books, and maybe you’re the person to introduce them to these books. Take a chance on yourself and your ability to influence the book world; you may be the next great book influencer. Some of the things we’re looking for are positive reviews and people who can articulate what they liked about the book. We do not accept spoilers or negative reviews.

DISCLAIMER: Book reviews are what help authors get noticed. CJ & Evlis reviews books independently based on what they enjoy reading. Any other reviews by reviewers are their independent thought and do not represent The Authors Porch’s opinion. The Authors Porch does not charge for book reviews and will never request compensation for review. We do not solicit reviews nor accept review requests from any inbox. Reviews are solely at the discretion of the reviewers’ reading endeavors.

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Always a Princess

Always a Princess by Clyve Rose

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Be Still My Heart is the only way I can start this review. Although this was historical fiction, I felt a sense of contemporary issues portrayed because life still happens that way.

The emotions in this book were so intriguing, and the way Clyve Rose portrayed the characters and wove their stories together allowed me almost to smell the beautiful flowers the princess plants at the little chapel.

Each character’s love and care had me breathless at times, yet longing for the same thing. This was such an intimate book that many readers will want to reread it, as it’s such a beautiful love story with a multi-faceted structure.

I commend the author for touching on points that so many would need to pay attention to, bringing to light Romany and portraying the culture as it should be. They have yet to be shown this kindness throughout history and the present day.

Buy Now

This beautiful love story has my heart feeling calm and peaceful, and I want that at the end of a book. Clyve Rose is a lovely storyteller and one everyone should be reading.



View all my reviews

Do you have a book review to share with The Authors Porch? Are you an avid reader who would love to share your reviews with an audience? Reach out to The Authors Porch at admin@theauthorsporch.com to see if we can collaborate on your review to be hosted on our blog. The world needs to hear more about great books, and maybe you’re the person to introduce them to these books. Take a chance on yourself and your ability to influence the book world; you may be the next great book influencer. Some of the things we’re looking for are positive reviews and people who can articulate what they liked about the book. We do not accept spoilers or negative reviews.

DISCLAIMER: Book reviews are what help authors get noticed. CJ & Evlis reviews books independently based on what they enjoy reading. Any other reviews by reviewers are their independent thought and do not represent The Authors Porch’s opinion. The Authors Porch does not charge for book reviews and will never request compensation for review. We do not solicit reviews nor accept review requests from any inbox. Reviews are solely at the discretion of the reviewers’ reading endeavors.

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Author Interview – Rev Joanne Angel Barry Colon

Rev Joanne Angel Barry Colon has 35+ years in the health, fitness, and wellness industry and 15+ years in the Healing industry. We enjoyed having this Author Interview – Rev Joanne Angel Barry Colon for our blog. Check out this fantastic author and follow them for more amazing stories.

Rev Joanne Angel Barry Colon has 35+ years in the health, fitness, and wellness industry and 15+ years in the Healing industry. She is the Founder of Wholistic Fitness, guiding men and women to a healthy lifestyle as a Certified Wholistic Personal Trainer, an Intuitive Healer, a Cosmic Energy Reader, a Medical Astrologer, and a Master of Numerology.

Rev Joanne has a T.V. show she hosts, Joanne’s Healing Within TV Show and she is on the radio with Joanne’s Cosmic Energy Radio Show. She furthered her ability to reach customers by creating the Chakra Balance Numerology Cosmic Energy Forecast Tarot card Deck.

Joanne has helped over 20,000 women gain confidence to be seen and heard and have the courage to walk away for their material JOB and embrace their soul’s calling.

When did you start writing?

2011

Learn MoreWhat was it like growing up?

I’m the middle child of two sisters. My mother started working when I was seven, leaving my older sister in charge, which she was unhappy about. I was quiet and enjoyed doing things on my own. When my sister wanted to hang out with her friends, we had to go, which annoyed her. She didn’t mind me going with her, but she didn’t want my younger sister to come, so my older sister wasn’t very nice to her; her friends were not nice to my younger sister either, which made me very sad. On the days that I knew I was staying home and could play by myself, I was very happy. I don’t have many memories of playing with my sisters other than going to the pool or family events. My happiest memories are playing with my doll house, playing at school, and dancing.

How was your early life?

I was quiet and stayed to myself. In fact, I enjoyed my time alone. However, I was really never alone. I always felt like someone was with me. Some would call it my make-believe friend. With all I know now, I believe I was connecting with spirit, and they were more interesting than hanging out with humans. I spent most of my time playing school with my doll house, dancing, riding a bike, and daydreaming. I have two sisters that fought a lot, so I spent much of my time staying away from them. Sometimes their fights were so bad that I would hide in the closet until my parents came home. As they got older, they became best friends. Although I stayed away from them, we were and are very close.

Sign UpWhat has been your biggest influence in your career?

My biggest influence in my career is my mom, Spirit Communication, trusting, and knowing there is a big purpose for why I chose this lifetime to be on earth. Having faith that I am guided to activate and utilize the scripture in my Akashic Records to put me in front of anyone that needs my wisdom, healing, and light.

Tell us about your newest release.

Currently, I’m focused on sharing my wisdom in articles. My most recent article is related to Activating Chiron Wound for Self-Care.

http://www.wholisticfitnessny.comWhich book of yours would you call your favorite child?

Healing with Numbers

http://www.wholisticfitnessny.comWhat inspired you to write this book?

I am not very good with math; in fact, I suck at it, but numbers related to numerology carry a whole different energy for me. When I started learning about Numerology and understanding that every number has a meaning and frequency, numbers became magical. I saw them as messages to help heal emotions, pain, and so much more, that I wanted to share this wisdom.

What are you usually found doing when you’re not writing?

Dreaming, talking to spirit, researching, connecting with others, dancing, and working out.

http://www.wholisticfitnessny.comWhat does your writing space look like?

I write everywhere, in my car, kitchen, and even when I am in the bathroom, and I always handwrite when I write. My kitchen has a bright orange wall that helps activate my creativity. When I write in my car, I usually sit by water, under a tree, or by the side of the road, and sometimes in the parking lot of Dunkin Donuts.

http://www.wholisticfitnessny.comIf you wrote your autobiography, what would you name it?

The Soul’s Calling of An Angel

How long did it take to write your novel, and what was your process?

One Year – Researching the meanings and vibrations of each number and following my intuition

Favorite reads?

I read anything that helps me understand. Astrology For The Third Act of Life, The Artist Way, The Four Agreements

Do you have any book recommendations?

Astrology For The Third Act of Life The Four Agreements The Artist’s Way

What’s your next big project?

Working on creating courses for my Wholistic Fitness Academy, A collaboration Children’s book

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Write every day, even if you do not have anything to write about

Follow Joanne:

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Author Interview – K. D. Miller

K. D. Miller is a YA Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Adult Paranormal Romance author. We enjoyed having this Author Interview – K. D. Miller for our blog. Check out this fantastic author and follow them for more amazing stories.

I’ve been writing for about three years now. Still, I can’t believe the one pesky story that just refused to leave my head (no matter how much I tried to silence it!) would not only turn into an actual book but would also open the floodgates for hundreds of other stories fighting to get out.

One day, I hope writing them all can be a full-time job, but for now, my “real” job is a paralegal in coastal North Carolina. I have seven books published in various genres: YA Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Adult Paranormal Romance under my pen name K.D. Miller.

https://kdmillerbooks.com/When did you start writing?

About three years ago

What was it like growing up?

I had a great childhood and such a supportive family. I played softball from the time I was four all the way through college, and anytime I wasn’t on the field, I was either playing with friends or reading.

https://kdmillerbooks.com/How was your early life?

It was great honestly. My parents were engineers, and I was blessed to grow up in the same town and house my entire life. My husband is in the military, so my daughter hasn’t gotten that same opportunity, and it makes me realize how lucky I was.

What has been your biggest influence in your career?

Other authors that I admire and love have had a huge impact on my own writing, whether it’s just taking cues from their styles or one of their stories sparking something in my imagination to come up with my own.

https://kdmillerbooks.com/
Tell us about your newest release.

My most recent release is called Sweet Tempest, which is the second book in my Greek Mythology reimagining series (Veracity of the Gods). This book focuses on Poseidon, and I call it the sucker punch I never saw coming because when I first started noodling the idea for Poseidon’s story, I never would have imagined how much I would adore it. It took me by surprise in the best way!

https://kdmillerbooks.com/Which book of yours would you call your favorite child?

Ooh, that’s a hard one! : looks left, then right: Don’t tell the others, but it’s Evansfire!

https://kdmillerbooks.com/What inspired you to write this book?

For Sweet Tempest, it came from first writing Hades’ story. The story of Hades and Persephone is so well-known and well-loved, that I wanted to put my own spin on it, but that ended up making me want to explore what kind of love story the other gods might have. For my favorite child (aka Evansfire), the inspiration came from a mix of watching The Magicians, my love of The Triwizard Tournament from Harry Potter, and re-reading The Hunger Games, actually. My brain just said, “Combine them! It’ll be awesome!”

Learn MoreWhat are you usually found doing when you’re not writing?

Chasing my 5-year-old around usually!

What does your writing space look like?

My laptop in bed most nights. Since for now, this is a side gig, I have to just write when and where I can so that typically ends up being in bed late into the night after everyone else has gone to sleep.

Learn MoreIf you wrote your autobiography, what would you name it?

Feed me tacos, and tell me I’m pretty.

How long did it take to write your novel, and what was your process?

I wrote my first novel in about three months actually. I was never planning to write an actual book, so my process was kind of a mess. I had a story in my head that just wouldn’t go away. Characters and scenes and dialogue that wouldn’t stop bumping around every waking moment, so I finally said, “ok, if I write it down, at least my mind will shut up about it.” I never intended to show ANYONE, but the more I spit out onto the page, the more I thought, “ok *maybe* this is something?” I eventually got the guts to tell my husband and close friends about it, which led to the inevitable “let me see it!” conversation, and it just kind of snowballed from there. I would never have even dreamed of publishing it (or any book) without my friends pushing my husband (who is so not a reader) and supporting me. Since then, I’ve refined my process a bit, but it’s still very much just driven by whatever story and characters are demanding to be heard at that moment.

https://kdmillerbooks.com/Favorite reads?

Man, talk about a tough question! I have way too many, but Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff is a recent favorite (and I’m dying for book 2!)

Do you have any book recommendations?

Empire of the Vampire so you can wait in misery with me for book 2! Haha

What’s your next big project?

I have a few different things in progress, but definitely, the next book in my Mythology series is on the horizon, and I’m also excited (and nervous) about a “normal” romance novel I’m working on right this minute. My other romances have all paranormal/fantasy type, so it’s been fun to try my hand at something grounded in the real world. We’ll see how it goes!

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

If you have a story, tell it, and don’t worry about anything else. Get it out and see where it takes you before you start worrying about editing it or marketing it, or any of that. I see many people in writers’ groups asking things like, “I’ve written 1 chapter; can I get a critique? What genre should it be? What kind of cover should I make? Etc. etc. etc.” You’ve got to let your story out first, let it breathe and grow and tell you where it needs to go and what it wants to be before you start asking for critiques and worrying about all the other things tangentially related to writing books these days. Also, have thick skin, don’t give up, and remember to hydrate

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